GasSecure has completed installation of the world’s first true wireless infrared gas detector GS01 on the Gullfaks C platform in the North Sea. 20 detectors were installed on the Statoil operated platform by a team from Statoil, ABB and GasSecure.The time for installation, integration and commissioning of the system was a fraction of what has been the norm for wired systems and shows one of the many advantages of implementing wireless detection.

The offshore tests on Gullfaks C prove that the GS01 gas detector from GasSecure has comparable performance to existing wired solutions on key areas such as response time and accuracy. The detectors are battery operated with an estimated battery lifetime of two years. They have been set up in a mesh network and communicate wirelessly using the ISA100 Wireless protocol with a ProfiSAFE layer to achieve communication according to the required safety standards (SIL 2).

Radio coverage was documented to be even better than anticipated and well inside acceptance criteria. A large part of the platform was covered by direct communication to one gateway.

The aim of the installation is to field prove the GasSecure detector and wireless technology and compare it with existing wired solutions. This is done through side by side testing with wired detectors and installation in problem areas with harsh weather and where the operator has experienced special challenges.

“Based on the experience we have from Gullfaks C after 2-3 weeks in test, we are pleased to see the promising results so far. Statoil has supported the development of the GS01 from GasSecure as we see the great benefits it offers Statoil.

The savings in cost and schedule, combined with increased flexibility for installation, will greatly improve execution of our projects and modifications. This is all achieved without making any compromise on safety. Statoil’s requirements are the same to wireless equipment as for wired with respect to regularity, security and safety.”

GasSecure AS develop, manufacture and market wireless optical gas detectors for demanding industrial applications. The detectors are ideal for fixed installation and as portable monitors, higher detector coverage increases safety and ease of installation reduces costs. GasSecure's technology is developed in close cooperation with SINTEF, the largest independent research organisation in Scandinavia.